Three people abducted by gunmen at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, CRIN, in Idi Ayunre, Oyo State, have regained their freedom after six days in captivity.
The victims reportedly returned to the institute’s premises at about 1 p.m. on Wednesday and have since reunited with their families.
An insider confirmed their release, saying the victims were freed after spending six days in the kidnappers’ custody.
“Our members of staff who were kidnapped last Friday at the various institute locations have regained their freedom after six days in captivity,” the source said.
“They arrived at the institute at 1 p.m. They have been reunited with their respective families.”
The source said a substantial ransom was reportedly paid, although the amount was not immediately known.
The development followed reports that the kidnappers had contacted the victims’ relatives and demanded ₦120 million for their release.
Efforts to reach the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, for confirmation were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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The victims were identified as Eunice Babalola and Kehinde Gbalajobi, both agricultural superintendents, and another man who lives in the institute’s Senior Staff Quarters but is not an employee.
Babalola and Gbalajobi were reportedly abducted while walking from the institute’s Central Nursery to the Senior Staff Quarters.
A source said the two agricultural superintendents had gone to Babalola’s residence to collect some items while waiting for a driver who was expected to pick them up later.
The source said the gunmen seized the two workers on their way to the quarters and also abducted the other resident.
The kidnappers later attempted to abduct more people at the Central Nursery but were reportedly repelled by security personnel following an exchange of gunfire.
“The kidnappers went to the Central Nursery to pick more victims but were repelled after a fierce exchange of gunshots with the security men on guard then,” the source said.
The source added that the gunmen subsequently contacted the victims’ relatives and demanded ₦120 million for the release of the three abductees.
Vanguard
